Although we hear a great deal about work/life balance, our media and cultural conversation is still overwhelmingly negative on the relationship between the two — children are still primarily seen as an ambition and workplace obstacle for women.

I disagree with that view and so I went and spoke with women from a broad mix of industries, professions, cultures, and personal backgrounds for their advice on leadership, careers and parenthood.

More choices than ever

And what I found was good news: women today have more choices than ever — on both the personal and professional front.

"Women don't have to choose between the two and it doesn't have to look or be a certain way, it just has to work for you and your family, for right now."

If we want to empower more women to become leaders, we need to get away from the idea that there is a “right” way to do any of this. Instead, we need to embrace the very freeing and more accurate framework, which is that actually, there are many ways to achieve a successful family and career life.

Women don't have to choose between the two and it doesn't have to look or be a certain way, it just has to work for you and your family, for right now.

Leadership, careers, and family: are all constantly changing and shifting, no one ever "balances" or "figures" it out — but they do live it and most importantly, enjoy it!